December's delights are here! Thrilling tales, romance, and magic await you.

Janet Martin

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95 comments posted.

Re: Once Upon a Grind (10:05pm December 8, 2014):

Elisa from the story of the wild swans, who suffers to save
the lives of her brothers by knitting shirts from nettles
and remaining mute until her task is done--this one comes
from Grimm and was also retold by HC Anderson and Andrew
Lang

Re: What The Groom Wants (2:09pm May 6, 2014):

I would guess that this project might have a point--like a new
genre, perhaps?

Re: Secrets and Sins: Raphael (10:01am May 5, 2014):

It's pretty much just habit--I've noticed my own language
growing gradually more colorful since retiring from
teaching, during which years I had to watch every word
coming out of my mouth (the kids got away with saying just
about anything, but I could have been fired for any
profanity or vulgarity at all). I'm not overly offended by
profane language, but as a librarian, I can tell you that a
lot of folks will return a book immediately upon
encountering any at all, and there is a constant complaint
about unnecessary vulgarity in books.

Re: An Unexpected Sin (7:07pm April 21, 2014):

And those trials weren't confined to Salem, but sprouted up
all over New England where ever there were folks jealous of
their neighbors' good fortunes. A number of men were also
accused. I think I would like fiction way more than the real
thing!

Re: In the Dark (5:07pm March 23, 2014):

Trust is key, but nothing will be much fun without passion!

Re: Desperately Seeking Suzanna (11:37am March 15, 2014):

Fewer calories reading about food than eating it!

Re: Dating, Dining, and Desperation (11:36am March 15, 2014):

Small towns can be difficult--I grew up on a farm outside of
one, and it will always be home to me. BUT no restaurants,
fun shops, exciting grocery stores, movies, etc.

Re: Shadowed By Grace (11:34am March 15, 2014):

I have no "perfect" setting for reading because for me the
book is the thing and I can lose myself anywhere; nor is the
format essential because I can become equally absorbed
whether I'm reading on a digital device or a pile of paper.
Like many others, my reading pals are mostly online,
although there are a few folks in my life with whom I can
indulge in face to face discussions

Re: The Rancher's Second Chance (10:17am March 13, 2014):

I love their independence!

Re: Lip Reading (1:50pm March 9, 2014):

Well said! Fiction is my escape, there is plenty of preaching
available online or listening to our politicians and
religious leaders. While inspiration is always welcome, I'll
select instruction when I feel I need it

Re: How Sweet The Sound (1:47pm March 9, 2014):

My daffodils are poking up and the dogwood buds are swelling.
My favorite hopeful character is Scarlet O'Hara--tomorrow is
always a new opportunity for her.

Re: Donna of the Dead (4:43pm March 7, 2014):

I've read YA books for years--I'm a librarian and have to
keep an eye out for good stuff. I also like to read books
before recommending them to my grandsons, and wish there was
more YA for boys. I think the main difference between adult
and YA fiction right now is that explicit sex, violence, and
language are usually (not always) toned down to avoid
offending parents (the kids are already up for it, as anyone
who has walked through a busy high school corridor can
attest)

Re: Hot Rock (8:30am February 28, 2014):

I think talent itself can be incredibly attractive. I was
watching a concert on film recently and found one of the
musicians totally enthralling--wasn't particularly good
looking and way too young, but his abilities alone were
enough to capture me. That old Pied Piper of Hamlin thing, I
guess.

Re: Must Love Dukes (8:28am February 28, 2014):

No way to get through it but straight on! My worst moment
ever was meeting the guy I had told I was too busy to see
while I was shopping. I think I told him some fib about a
last minute need for something that trumped the studying that
had been my excuse.

Re: The Tycoon's Socialite Bride (5:52pm February 19, 2014):

If the characters are great, either works for me!

Re: The Splendour Falls (4:51pm January 26, 2014):

I've been delighted to see gothics making a comeback, and
I've read several terrific ones in the past several years.
Splendour Falls us definitely on my "to-read" list!

Re: The Harlot's Tale (8:50am January 14, 2014):

Wow--these look like fun. Who had a better view at what was
really going on inside a household?

Re: A Perfect Distraction (8:49am January 14, 2014):

Nice reminder to throw out a lot of stuff that has been
cluttering my drawers, particularly since there isn't much in
there that I still use.

Re: The Magic Between Us (9:54am January 10, 2014):

My 8 yr grandson also loves reading on my Kindle--sometimes
reading is all about timing and different children are ready
at different times. The other hurdle is building their
skills to a point where instead of reading words, they are
able to discover the story. For an older grandson,
audiobooks were a key to helping him to that level--you
didn't mention the age of your son, but my older grandson
didn't leap that bar until he was 12. He could word call
just fine before that, but comprehension was a problem for a
long time. He, too, is now a committed reader, but it took
time and patience on the part of his parents, me (a
librarian and former reading teacher), and his teachers.

Re: Shadowed By Grace (9:47am January 10, 2014):

I remember listening in when my father and his friends
compared their WWII stories. So many men served, that it was
a cohesive experience for that generation, and despite
hardship and danger, it built loyalty and a sense of unity.
In contrast, I never heard a word from my grandparent's
generation about WWI--it had involved a smaller percentage
of American men, and their experiences were apparently so
horrible that few would ever discuss them.

Re: The Trigger (3:32pm January 2, 2014):

For me, that started about the time my kids left for school
and instead of feeding 3 teens and 2 adults, I had to
downscale for me and my husband. There came a time when the
refrigerator door wouldn't close! I got beyond that, but we
don't have to worry if a blizzard pops in tomorrow with no
advance warning.

Re: Paws For Murder (3:23pm January 2, 2014):

I love that song myself--I'm so pleased you found it
inspiration for a mystery that sounds completely different!

Re: Bite Me, Your Grace (7:23pm December 18, 2013):

Terrific story, and, although I'm sorry you didn't go with the
smaller publisher, it is undoubtedly in your best interest to
sign with some one who can provide the distribution you need.
Best of luck!

Re: Tempest's Course (12:29pm December 6, 2013):

I've come across a number of fine gothics lately, and have
been enjoying their reimergence. Your's sounds like fun and
I'll keep an eye out for it.

Re: Otherworld (5:38pm November 27, 2013):

Sometimes a dream just needs the right time. When it's a
creative endeavor, sometimes it needs a little more time for
the creator to step back a and gain some perspective about
the project. My dream was to be an archaeologist, and that
dream, too, needed some time and space before I was ready to
learn that there is plenty of time and space for a volunteer
digger--it's turned into a fun hobby, but I'm not making big
discoveries or leading expeditions. Just helping out adding
to local history, and I love it.

Re: Reign (1:35pm November 25, 2013):

We plan on turkey, but that squid soup could find a place on
our table--seafood sounds delicious to me!

Re: Bulletproof (5:03pm November 13, 2013):

There are many qualities we admire about military men--
loyalty, self-discipline, and commitment are 3 that jump
immediately to mind, and are traits I want in any hero!

Re: Daughter Of The God-King (7:59am November 10, 2013):

I think one thing that makes accuracy difficult is the fact
that books are written for today's readers who have real
difficulties dealing with the social realities of the past.
We want strong heroines placed in a time when few women had
the freedom to express their opinions let alone act on them.
We want considerate heroes willing to accept women of
strength. And the social realities of religion, class,
ethnicity, etc, don't always translate to those of today--
I'm with you! Do the best you can, but keep some of it
vague! Book sounds wonderful!

Re: Upon a Winter's Night (7:54am November 10, 2013):

As most other comments, family is the key part for me--but I
also love cooking and baking, and both the sharing of old
memories and the creation of new ones.

Re: Norse Jewel (8:52am October 30, 2013):

Isn't it wonderful how ideas come together!

Re: The Wishing Thread (8:51am October 30, 2013):

A knitter myself, I know the magic that we work into our
projects. I particularly like to make baby gifts and put
love into each stitch, even for the little ones I will never
meet as I knit neonatal hats for our hospital. It's the same
for the lace shawls and scarves I make for family, friends,
and the simpler warm ones for strangers who need prayer
shawls.

Re: The Circle Of Thirteen (8:46am October 30, 2013):

Great cover and fascinating premise. I love layered plots and
it sounds as though you have achieved that delicate skill

Re: The Wicked Wallflower (9:52am October 26, 2013):

Not really an answer to your question, but the wallflower
doesn't always lose. I met my husband when he crossed the
room to meet my room mate and was then too insecure to turn
away when she left with another guy just as he arrived. One
dance, a brief conversation, and then the 2 of us ever
since. I look back on my several crushes as a way to
preserve myself from having to make relationship commitments
until I was ready to do so--after all if you are lovesick
alone in your room, nothing really bad ever happens.

Re: Murder At Hatfield House (10:57am October 23, 2013):

I will admit--any mystery with a Tudor setting grabs my
attention. Or Egypt, or set in the Roman Empire. I like
historicals, period. Love your cover!!

Re: Kisses On Her Christmas List (8:18pm October 4, 2013):

I love Christmas stories, and always look forward to them this
time of year

Re: My Lady Quicksilver (8:17pm October 4, 2013):

They nearly always bite you back, so I try very hard never
to tell anything other than the little social lies--"You
look great today," or "I'm so glad you brought your special
fudge."
And since that last one would mean I would have to choke
down a piece of that "special fudge," it would bite me back
in a hurry.

Re: Severed Trust (6:33pm September 23, 2013):

I worked a number of years at the University of Texas General
Libraries, where I learned a lot about the Rangers--there are
enough truthful stories to keep you writing about them for
years without ever needing to think up a single fictional
event. Heroes and rascals both populated their ranks.

Re: Gideon's Call (6:30pm September 23, 2013):

I can't discipline myself not to keep buying, but at least I
now donate almost everything as soon as I finish reading it.
Then I've bought a Kindle, & it's harder than ever to make
inroads in my backlog

Re: How To Entice An Enchantress (6:52pm September 19, 2013):

Library all the way, although options a and b certainly sound
like fun.

Re: The Dervish (9:30am September 8, 2013):

A fascinating period and little known here in the US--I think I will love it

Re: What the Bride Wore (9:43am August 30, 2013):

Not romance, but anyone who enjoys humor and urban fiction might get a kick out of "The Rook," by Daniel O'Malley--it is fast and funny.

Re: The Mysterious Death Of Miss Jane Austen (8:12am August 30, 2013):

Wow--I loved your post, and can't wait to read the book. A bit of real detective work!

Re: Once Upon A Tartan (10:54am August 17, 2013):

I always thought a good sense of logic was important to both professions--constucting a good argument has to be similar to constructing a good plot. Both depend on laying groundwork and leading forward to a logical conclusion, whether or not it is a predictable conclusion. What an excellent way of thinking about writing!

Re: Rugged Hearts (8:55pm July 25, 2013):

My family moved to a new town when I started 10th grade. I was so angry that it happened and that I was forced to leave my friends, my school, and forsake all of my fledgling plans. It did not start well, but my new English teacher sensed that I needed some specific challenges. Miss Sue wasn't a nurturer, but a taskmaster. A woman already in her 60s and suffering from crippling arthritis, she wasn't about to give anyone a free ride, and I was seriously annoyed when I got back a few assignments with more red ink than I had yet seen in my whole school career. She taught everyone in her classes the skills we would need to critically analyze information. She taught us to write, and to value language and literature. She encouraged me specifically to participate in both our school newspaper and drama productions, two activities that opened my mind to new friends and new passions. And although she never lost her red pencil, my assignments started coming back with fewer criticisms and more encouraging notes. It wasn't until years later that I learned that she had been responsible for a college scholarship that eased my way into a brighter future than I would have experienced had she not been an influence in my life.

Re: Raspberries and Vinegar (11:07am July 21, 2013):

Good luck and find something to keep the deer away. I grew up on a farm in iowa and we were always pretty self-sufficient. For some years I was able to grow a few vegetables at my home here in NC, but there is absolutely no way to grow anything anymore thanks to the overpopulation and near starvation level of the local deer population--they will even eat stuff in pots nudged right up against my front door.

Re: Magic Rises (10:05am July 19, 2013):

I CANNOT wait for the next book in this wonderful series!!

Re: It Happened One Midnight (4:43pm July 6, 2013):

What can I possibly add to the concensus--of course, again!

Re: Winning a Bride (4:41pm July 6, 2013):

I like novellas a lot, but your headline had me ready to jump in and remind folks that each of us is totally responsible for our own decisions. But after reading your intro, I have to say that I really do love that Sara was able to inspire a whole new series. I also like the little teasers that are now popular, either before the first book or inserted between series episodes.

Re: Wish You Were Here (8:13am July 3, 2013):

While I, too, loved having reading time in the summer when I was a child, summer reading is harder now. As an adult, summer ends up being almost as busy a time as the winter holiday period. So I turn to lighter reads, and a short romance is perfect.

Re: Just Beyond the Garden Gate (6:22pm June 24, 2013):

I think lots of folks get together due to accidental encounters. I met my guy at a dorm mixer when the girl he was going to ask to dance went off with another just as he reached her--turned around and got me because he didn't want to leave empty handed, so to speak. I hadn't been planning to stay, just stopped for a minute with my room mate who didn't want to go in by herself. That was 51 years ago.

Re: One Night With A Rake (6:05pm June 21, 2013):

I have to say that an assistant who never points out your mistakes, listens to everything, and loves you is beyond price!!

Re: Five Days in Skye (4:11pm June 4, 2013):

A reader needs to identify with fictional characters in order to enjoy the story, and when writers draw on their own experiences, beliefs and emotions, they usually create believable characters with at least some traits that appeal to readers. While we aren't all the same, many of us share characteristics and the ability to recognize our friends and relatives, or ourselves enhances the reading experience.

Re: With a Vengeance (10:55am May 4, 2013):

I've had several wonderful guy friends, mostly work buddies, but also men who could have been more had we been at different places in our lives. The "what if" aspects are always fascinating.

Re: Lord of the Mist (10:52am May 4, 2013):

It's always a fun concept--until one needs antibiotics and fresh fruit. Love time travel fiction!

Re: Prophecy Girl (7:33am April 29, 2013):

As a librarian, I come down on the side of keeping YA clean--mostly because so many parents object when books intended for that age group contain stronger issues or language. While more controversial material including abuse and the sex trade may be appropriate for older teens, most libraries have 9 and 10 yr olds prowling the YA shelves, and then their parents come in hopping mad because the unsupervised littlies come home with books about drugs, suicide, sex, etc. It's about the same for the bookstore shelves.

Re: Detour to Dusk (7:27am April 29, 2013):

I'm always looking for a new take on this monster--I rarely tire of them.

Re: The Collector (8:22pm April 24, 2013):

You've piqued my interest, both in your new title and your inspirations

Re: A Man for All Seasons (6:03pm April 20, 2013):

I don't know, but would enjoy finding out! A few strange things have happened in my life, so I wouldn't rule them out.

Re: Beeline To Trouble (5:20pm January 20, 2013):

While there is certainly an audience for hotter mysteries, a spiced up "cozy" (usually, but not always, defined as an amateur detective, often female and often in a small town, rural, or suburban setting) may be a challenge. It looks like you are initiating an interesting new subgenre, and the sales figures support this as a good move. But a very large percentage of the cozy fans are women over 40 who gravitate to cozies because they don't want books with violence, gore, strong language, or sex--although a bit of discrete romance is always welcome. Just saying--I'm a librarian, and repeating what I hear at the circulation desk. Good luck! The book sounds like fun.

Re: Holiday Buzz (8:40am December 4, 2012):

I've learned more about coffee than I even dreamed there was to know since reading your books--my fave coffee fact is that my beloved dark roast is lower in caffeine. Now recipes, too. I'll pick up a copy immediately.

Re: The Snow White Christmas Cookie (9:34am November 5, 2012):

i love Christmas books--so glad you have decided to give us one!!

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (8:17am September 11, 2012):

Agree with the concensus here about strength, but there's a fairly wide range of it. The 3 qualities that most annoy me are whining, a temper that is often insufficiently motivated, and too much angst--definitely perfer ladies who just get on with it. Oh, and humor is alway a plus. Someone with a sense of humor is more able to deal with adversity and avoid taking herself too seriously.

Re: A Scandalous Countess (8:03am February 12, 2012):

Wouldn't even want think about banishing either of these from my bookshelves--but I still especially love the stylized pace of Regencies. I probably read more "Georgian," but Regency has a hold on my heart.

Re: Dreamers (11:01am January 22, 2012):

Fascinating premise--I know that we inherit much from our ancestors, but what we are is what we chose to make of ourselves. I got started in genealogy about 15 years ago when my parents were dying of cancer. I discovered so many wonderful things about my family, but a few disagreeable surprises also. I know that some of my talents and weaknesses are those I share with relatives I never knew. But just as I cannot ride on the successes of those who went before me, I refuse to take responsibility for the poor decisions of others. I look forward to reading your book!

Re: The Spy Who Left Me (9:30am November 27, 2011):

It's a rare day for me not to read at least a little, although audiobooks are often my best solution. Lots of romance novels are being recorded, and even more are available as ebooks--no one ever has to see what is on your tablet, smart phone, or ereader (the least sneaky option). And I love espionage fiction!!

Re: Waking Up Dead (9:26am November 27, 2011):

What fun--I really do like finding a book with an older heroine from time to time. Can't wait to get my hands on this one.

Re: The Norse King's Daughter (9:10am October 3, 2011):

I love first novels, and have tried sampling them for years. With a long list of favorites to keep up with, it can be hard to squeeze them in, but I always manage to snag half a dozen or so each year.

Re: Diaries Of An Urban Panther (7:52am September 3, 2011):

Well, I know those bits of advice like holding my keys between my fingers and trying for the eyes, but I'd be screaming my head off the whole time. I'm a little old to run very fast, but I'd try to get some sort of barrier between the attacker and me.

Re: The Bone House (8:01am August 23, 2011):

I've been reading your books since Immoral, and so appreciate the care you put into your fiction. The best thrillers/fantasies/romances/mysteries/whatever all transcend genre to speak to our hearts and qualify as good stories. Although I enjoy action in a book, it takes more than nonstop movement to grab a heart. I think you own the formula.

Re: Chicks Kick Butt (2:33pm July 27, 2011):

What a lineup--these ladies keep the bookpiles all over my house constantly growing

Re: Touch If You Dare (8:33pm July 21, 2011):

I find most of those reasons compelling, but guys who knit are definitely sexy!!!

Re: A Spark of Death (8:30pm July 15, 2011):

Love the locale, the period, and the setup sounds like my kind of mystery.

Re: Break Out (9:35am July 4, 2011):

Crossing or even changing genres, leaves some fans--who love the books you've already written--angry. Yet as a writer, you would be less than true to yourself if you didn't try to stretch your limits and write what you love. Some writers get past this by using different, and not necessarily secretly different, pseudonymns. That said, many of us love more than one genre, and your scifi romance sounds like fun.

Re: Wild and Unruly (4:04pm July 1, 2011):

Who can say--we already move through more dimensions than our ancestors dreamed of.

Re: Dying For Justice (7:06pm June 28, 2011):

Wow--I see lots of fear inspiring issues listed here, but I'm almost never fearful. When I am, it's usually due to a short term crisis of some sort that always works out some way or another, and even negative outcomes tend to have a workthrough. I don't particularly fear death--it will come to each of us, and I chose to spend my emotional strength facing the present with cheerfullness and fortitude.

Re: The Dark Enquiry (8:58pm June 27, 2011):

I know for sure that they woke up cold in the winter, and reading at night must have been a chore--give me central heat and electric lights any old day. And give the Victorians tons of credit for being tough!!!

Re: Night Veil (8:56pm June 27, 2011):

Well, Batman for a romantic interlude, Superman for the long haul.

Re: City Of Promise (12:46pm June 25, 2011):

Summer is for lighter books, but since I'm a pretty eclectic reader, there's plenty to make me happy. I'm kind of into steampunk these days--loving writers like Gail Carriger and Cherie Priest, but still enjoying thrillers, mysteries, urban fantasy, historicals, and romance--a little bit of everything keeps me balanced.

Re: Burning Skies (12:34pm June 25, 2011):

How wonderful to do what you love and please so many others simultaneously!!

Re: Missing Persons (12:33pm June 25, 2011):

Amazing--each of these men is actually a sociopath--not a recognizeable crazy, but a person who feels their own goals justify any means. It is truly scary to think about how many of them walk among us.

Re: Hard Bitten (7:29pm June 14, 2011):

What great ideas--for another, take a kid and browse the children's books. These days I have a grandson who is happy to come with me, but in past years I've been happy to snag a coworker's to enjoy a fresh perspective and build some friendship points.

Re: Blood Of The Wicked (11:57am June 13, 2011):

While it's nice to think we have the possiblility of some supernatural powers going on, the gifts of observation and insight fall to most of us--when we pay attention, we are all more skilled than we might imagine

Re: Mind Games (5:59am May 27, 2011):

I have to disagree with your term "stalking." Following an author's work and keeping up with news about their work and appearances doesn't quite meet the definition, IMO. But your list certainly does include folks worth keeping up with!

Re: Ashes Of The Earth (4:39pm May 19, 2011):

I think it is inevitable that a true calamity is going to hapen sooner or later. But we have less to fear from nature than our neighbors. I can put things by, but probably can't defend my supplies--or deny the hungry folks at my door. -- Love your Shan mysteries! They have made Tibet real to me. I look forward to reading your new book.

Re: Wickedly Charming (11:58am May 16, 2011):

I've loved your scifi fantasy work (Retrievers fan, here)--expect to like this one also. I've never outgrown fairy tales, or romance either.

Re: Grimoire (10:21am May 15, 2011):

I think secondary characters offer a way for the author to demonstrate personality aspects of the primary characters in ways that forward the plot and seem natural. They also allow the author to try out charaterizations that can augment future books, or if particularly successful, build characters that will be able to star on their own at a later time.

Re: Deadly Ties (7:14am April 12, 2011):

Not every set of choices is as difficult as the fictional one you have created, but each of us, every day, has to reach ethical and moral decisions that may conflict. The degree of help one extends to another is a gift, and each of us needs to identify how much to risk and at what price.

Re: Haunting Desire (7:54pm April 6, 2011):

So many of the legends are sad stories--I've always loved Dierdre of the Sorrows, but there are some women who win--the Morrigan, for example. Too bad she often wins at the expense of a dead hero.

Re: Rock Hard (2:27pm April 4, 2011):

Love the question/title. So often the "Lust/Hate" thing is simply a power struggle--the attempt of 2 strong personalities to come to grips with the attraction between two equals. How can a strong woman ever be satisfied with a man who is less than her equal?

Re: An Unlikely Countess (2:46pm March 19, 2011):

Most readers feel they live fairly ordinary lives, and heroes and heroines who have more extraordinary circumstances in society are an escapist opportunity--a vicarious adventure. But the heroes and heroines who live in our hearts are characters who grow and transcend either luxury or penury--characters who become real as they face and overcome challenges of any kind.

Re: It Happened One Bite (12:26pm March 15, 2011):

Wow--more NC writers!! We have a talented bunch already in this state and room for more. I look forward to readying your books

Re: So Close The Hand Of Death (12:20pm March 15, 2011):

Amazing what lionesses even the gentlest women can become. I, too, would go at adversity with tooth and claw--and shovel and plow should that be required, because not every disaster requires actual violence. For some things we just need to get to work.

Re: Animal Magnetism (10:49am March 5, 2011):

My son, single at the time, once told me that a borrowed baby and trip to the supermarket was the best way to meet nice women--the food aisle thing apparently goes both ways!

Re: At Hidden Falls (8:58am January 26, 2011):

Like you and some of the other posters, books were an escape from a very restricted and isolated childhood. I have never stopped reading, even a single day, although a very busy lifestyle has introduced me to the joys of audiobooks as an adjunct to the printed page. My life, no longer isolated and unhappy, is still enriched by my literary excursions.

Re: Eternal Prey (8:54am January 26, 2011):

So many fictional heroes to choose from--one of my favorites is Jack Reacher from Lee Child's thrillers--it really depends on how one defines urban "fantasy," as Reacher is way bigger than life. A man of honor, he always treats ladies with respect, and will come to the rescue when needed, even years later. He may love and leave, but never loves and forgets.